Email is a great way to stay connected, but unfortunately, it's also a tool scammers use to trick people. As a senior, it's important to be aware of senior email scams so we can protect our money and our information.
What are "Fake" Emails and Senior Email Scams?
Fake emails are designed to look like they come from real companies, like our banks, stores where we shop, or even a government agency. The scammers want us to click on a link, call a phone number or open an attachment that could steal our personal information or install malware (harmful software) on our computer.
Tricks Used by Scammers
"Your account has been compromised!" Emails pretending to be from our bank or credit card company might scare us with warnings about unauthorized activity. They want us to click a link or call a fake number.
"You’ve been Invoiced!” Emails pretending to be legitimate companies state that we have been invoiced hundreds of dollars, typically, for things we never purchased.
"A family member needs help" Emails claiming a grandchild or loved one is in trouble overseas try to trick us into sending money quickly.
How to Spot a Fake Email
Here are some red flags to watch for:
Sender's Email Address:
Example: [notifications@bankofamericas.com]
Look closely! Scammers often use email addresses that are slightly different from the real company.
Urgent or Threatening Language:
Example: "Your account will be closed if you don't act now!"
Scammers want us to feel panicked, so we act without thinking.
Typos and Poor Grammar:
Example: "Youre invoice is ready for veiwing"
Legitimate companies carefully proofread their emails. Lots of mistakes are a sign of a scam.
Requests for Personal Information:
Example: "Click here to confirm your social security number"
Real companies will never ask us to send sensitive information over email.
Example: Fake Invoice Scam
This email looks like it might be real, but it's a scam. Notice how it uses urgent language and tries to make us think we owe money.
What To Do If We Get a Fake Email
Don't Click Any Links or Open Attachments: This is the most important rule!
Get Rid of the Email: Send it to your Trash / SPAM / Junk folder.
Report to the Real Company (Optional): If unsure about an email, contact the genuine company using an official phone number or website (don't use contact info in the email).
Remember
If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Be wary of unexpected offers or prizes.
If the email creates fear and urgency, be careful…the greater the fear and urgency the more caution required.
Trust your instincts. If an email feels strange or off, it's best to ignore it.
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